Tank for developing photographic films.



w. c. momnm. TANK FOR DEVELOPING PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-22. 19H.

Patented Apr. 29,1919.

2 SHEET$SHEET I.

WUQ/Vl/tOZ 2a. 6. gm

W. C. MOTTERAM.

TANK FOR DEVELOPING PHOTQGRAPHIC FILMS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.22. I917 m a m U m M u n m x P J WILLIAM G. MOTTERAM, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

TAN K FOR DEVELOPING PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Apr. 29, 1919.

Application filed August 22, 1917. Serial No. 187,636.

T 0 all whom it may. concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM C. MOT- TERAM, a citizen of the United States, residing in Philadelphia, county of'Philadelphia Stateof Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and ,usefullmprovements in Tanks for Developing Photographic Films, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to tanks or receptacles adapted to receive means for holding the films in spaced relation to each other while being treated with the developing solution which may be introduced into the tank or receptacle after the films have been placed therein and properly spaced.

The objects of my invention are to provide a tank which may be satisfactorily used for the development of films without resorting to a dark room; to provide means in the tank whereby a portion of the casing of the film pack is torn from other portions to permit the withdrawal of the films from the pack after the same has been partially inserted into the tank; to provide a holder for the film which holder is provided with means for engaging one end portion of one side of the cover pack, which engaging portion engages means within the tank as the said holder is inserted thereinto for causing lateral movement thereof and thereby effecting the tearing apart of p0rtions of the film pack casing to permit the withdrawal of the filmstherefrom; to provide means for supporting and holding the films in fixed spaced relation with respect to each other within the tank while the treatment by the developing solution is tak ing place; and also to provide means for effecting a clamping and unclamping action of portions of the said holding means as desired.

Other objects and advantages of my in ceptible of embodiment in other forms of construction than that shown.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a view showing the tank in longitudinal section and the holding means together with a film pack holder and film pack partially inserted into the said tank in side elevation;

Fig. 2 is a sectional View taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1, one side of one end portion of the film pack holder employed for holding the film pack as it is inserted into the tank being shown in elevation;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 1, but with the film pack holder and means for holding the films in the tank oecupying different positions therein;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the means for holding the films in spaced relation to each other and which is adapted to be inserted into the tank;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a view showing the bottom part of the device for holding the films in spaced relation to each other in the tank partly in transverse section and partly in top plan view;

Fig. 8 is a central longitudinal section of the lower portion of the film pack holder and of a film pack therein showing the end portion of one side of the film pack casing torn away to permit the withdrawal of the films therefrom; and

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of a portion of the top part of the device for holding the films in spaced relation to each other in the film tank taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 4:.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a casing of suitable material which is adapted to receive a film pack and also a device for holding the films of the pack holder in spaced relation to each other while the same are being treated with the developing solution.

The upper end of the casing is provided with a laterally extending portion 2 which constitutes a supporting shoulder for a purpose to be hereinafter described. 3 designates a portion of the casing of the tank extending a short distance upwardly from each other.

the outer edge of the laterally extended portion 2.

5 designates portions situated upon two sides of the tank in opposing relation to The upper and lower ends of these portions rest against the said sides 'while the remaining portions of the said slots. Below the portions 9 of the said slots are portions 10 also parallel or substantially parallel with the sides of the casing of the tank but which are situated farther inwardly than are the portions 8 of the said slots. 11 designates outwardly inclined portions of the said slots, the lower ends of which terminate at points substantially inline with the portions 8 thereof.

12 designates a cover forrclosing the top of the casing 1. It is necessary to use such cover if it is desired to turn the tank upside down during the time that the films are being treated with the developing solution, but as will hereinafter appear, if the tank is kept in an upright position the use of the cover 12 may be dispensed with.

Referring now to the device which is used for inserting or placing the films within the casing of the tank and for holding the said films in spaced relation to each other after having been so inserted, 20 designates a frame of square, rectangular or other outline as may be desired which frame is proand from each other in these channels.

V curved clamping bars 22.

curved surface of the curved side 24 a corvided with oppositely disposed sides 21 of channel shape, which channels face each other. 22 designates a plurality of clamping bars, which, in the construction shown, are curved but instead of being curved they may be of other shape and still be within the scope of my invention. The opposite ends of these bars are reduced to form portions 23 which fit between the flanges of the channels of the sides 21. It is apparent that these clamping bars 22 are slidable toward the opposing sides of the frame 20 connectcurved to conform to the curvature of the To the inner opposite the side 24 thereof is straight as shown. 27 designates a plate similar to the plate 25 except that the said plate 27 is slidably supported at its opposite ends in the same in binding relation against the adjacent clamping bar and also to hold the remaining clamping bars in clamping contact relation with respect to each other. By moving these spring members 30 inwardly the clamping members are permitted to be separated both to permit the insertion of the films and tabs of the films between the said clamping'bars and to permit the cleans-- ing and drying of the opposing surfaces of the said clamping bars. 33 designates a bail secured at its opposite ends to the channel sides of the frame 20. The frame 20, together with the clamping bars, etc. supported thereon, is referred toand may be re garded as the bottom part of the film holding device.

Slidably connected with the opposite sides or legs of the bail 31 is a top film clamping and holding part, said part comprising a plate 35-, the edges of whichupon three sides thereof, when thefilm clamping and holding device is in position within the tank casing 1, are adapted to rest upon the shoulder formed by the laterally extending flanges 2. Oppositely disposed angle plate members are provided, said members in transverse section each comprising a vertically disposed portion 36, an inwardly extended flange portion 37 and an outwardly extended flange portion 38, the latter portions constituting convenient means for securing the said members 36 to the underside of the plate 35. r

40 designates clamping bars curved in the construction shown, as are the clamping bars 22,.but which may be of other shape if desired. The opposite ends of these clamp- 7 ing bars rest upon and are supported by the opposltely disposed inwardly extending flanges '37."The said clamping bars 40 are 7 provided with shoulders, as indicated at 41, the said shoulders, together with theinter mediate portions of the said bars, projecting through an opening 42 in the plate 35 a distance above the upper surface of the latter. 7 45 designates a plate secured upon the upper surface of the plate'35, said plate having an opening 46 therethrough corresponding to and in registry with the opening 42, and the said plate also being provided with projections 47. Said projections and the portions of the plate 35 thereunder are provided with holes 48 through whichthe sides of the bail 33 extend.

50 designates a curved metallic plate cooperating with the adjacent opposing clamping bar 40 and being rigidly secured to the inner edges of one side of the openings 42 and 46 through the plates 35 and 4:5. 51 designates a curved metallic plate situated in oppositely disposed relation to the plate 50. The opposite ends of the said plate rest and slide upon the flanges 37.

As a means for adjusting the said clamp ing bars toward each other and for permitting separation thereof 1 have provided a cam plate 53 situated between adjacent edge portions of the plates 35 and 45 at the opposite edge portions of said plates from those to which the curved plate 50 is connected. The curved plate 51 is secured to the inner curved edge of the cam plate 53; For the purpose of adjusting the said cam plate I have provided the same with an opening 55 against the edges of which an eccentrically supported cam member 56 is adapted to contact to cause positive movement of the said plate 53 in one direction to force the said clamping bars toward each other into clamping relation to, each other and to permit movement thereof in the opposite direction so as to allow the tabs of the films to be inserted between the'said bars. The said cam 56 is supported upon a shaft or pin 60 which is pivotally supported in the portions of the plates 35 and 15 upon opposite sides of the plate 55. 61 designates a handle by means of which the said shaft or pin 60 may be rotated to actuate the said cam.

The bail 31 fits the openings 18 closely so that the top member of the film holding device will remain in whatever position upon the said bail to which it may be adjusted.

The plate 35 is provided with a cut out portion at one edge forming projections 71. 73 designates a plate secured to the underside of the edge portion 7 4 of the plate 35. Said plate 73 is provided with outwardly extending projections 7 5 at its opposite ends situated directly underneath the inner edge portions of the projections 71. The space between the projections 71 and the projections 7 5 is provided for receiving the film pack holder 80, said holder being guided in its movement downwardly into the tank to the position shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings between the projections 75 and the inner edges of the projections 71. Said holder is of a size and shape to hold the said pack snugly.

The said film pack holder is provided at one end with an extension 81 having hinged connection at 82 with the edge of one side of the said holder. Adjacent to its lower outer edges the said extension is provided with inwardly extending hooked portions 83 which are adapted to be engaged with end portions 84; of one side of a film pack casing, as shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings.

85 designates projections at the outer ends of the opposite edges of the extension 81, said projections being provided with openings 87 in which the opposite ends of a rod 88 are mounted, preferably revolubly. The said rod is thicker at its middle than at other portions thereof and tapers from its middle toward its opposite ends.

The films as they are drawn from the pack pass under and in contact with the rod 88 which causes the said films to be initially bent transversely to correspond with the bend or curvature of the clamping bars or members 22 and 10 heretofore described.

When it is intended to use a device constructed in accordance with my invention for developing films the film packs are used in the usual way in the camera and by means of the tabs are pulled forwardly within the pack, but instead of tearing off the tabs as is now the practice the said tabs are allowed to remain. When it is desired to develop the films in a tank constructed in accordance with my invention the film pack may be inserted within a holder and the hook-like portions 83 engaged with portions of a side at the opposite edges of one end thereof and thereafter the tabs may be inserted through the spaces intermediate the clamping bars 22 and the ooiiperating clampingplates 25 and 27 and thence through the spaces intermediate the clamping bars 10 and the clamping plates 50 and 51 in the upper part of the film holding device. The tabs are extended a short distance beyond the upper side of the top part of the said device, as shown in Fig. l of the drawings, and are clamped in such position by actuation of the cam 56 to force the clamping devices into holding clamping relation with respect to each other. It may be noted also that at this time the springs 30 are moved outwardly into position to hold the clamping bars and plates 22, 25 and 27 in the lower part of the said device in relatively close relation with respect to each other so as to properly in aintain the films there-between. It will be understood, of course, that the order of proce dure may be changed or varied without in any way affecting my invention.

After the saic tabs have been inserted into the position between the bars of the upper and lower parts of the holding device the said holder 80 is turned around into the position indicated in Fig. 1 of the drawing in the space bet-ween the projections 7 5 and the inner edges of the projections 71 and the said film holding device and the said holder 80 are then inserted into the top of the casing 1 of the receptacle so that the edges of the top plate 35 rest upon the shoulder said rod, together'with the outer lower end,

7 known;

downwardly, the oppositeprojecting ends of the guide rod 88projeeting into the slots 8. Engagement of these ends with the inwardly inclined portions 9 of these slots forcesthe of the hingedly supported part 81, inwardly to thejposition shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings Such inward movement, by reason of the engagement of the hooked port-ions 83 with end portions of one side of the film pack casing disconnects the adjacent end.

portion of said side from the said film pack casing and bends the same laterally, as is shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings. WVhen the film pack holder'SO has been moved downwardly so that the opposite ends of the rod 88 occupy positionsat the lower ends of the inwardly inclined portions 9 of the slot further downward movement is temporarily discontinued. The cam 56 is then released and the films are pulled forwardly between the clamping bars as far as they will go,

which is until the shoulders 90 of the said films intermediate the same and the tabs 91 contact-with the underside of the plate 35, as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. Thereafter the cam 56 is operated to again clamp the films between the clamping bars and plates 40, 50and 51. Thereafter the film pack holder is moved downwardly until the opposite ends of the rod 88 reach the lower ends of the outwardly inclined portions 11 of the said slots. Thereafter the bail, to the lower ends of which the lower part of the film holding device is connected, is moved downwardly, such movement causing downward movement of the lower part of saidv device into'the position shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings adjacent the bottom of the tank casing 1. It, will be seen, therefore, that the films are supported in spaced parallel relation with respect to each other within the tank casing and also that they are curvedto conform to the curvature of the clamping bars of the upper and lower parts of the holding device.

The parts having been placed in the positions within the tank casing as shown in Fig. 3 the developing solution may be charged into the tank casing through the film pack casing within the film pack holder 80 by opening the upper end of the said film pack casing which may be readily done as is well Such developing solution runs down through the film pack casing and holder 80, entering the tank near the bottom thereof and gradually filling the same to completely submerge and surround the films 7 supported therein.

The presence of the top part of the film holder within the tank, the film pack holder and of the film pack'casing within the said the light from the interior of the said tank as completely as is necessary for efiectively developing the films. 'This'being thecase the cover12' is unnecessary unless it"be de-' sired to turn the tank upside down during 7 the time that a developing operation. is pro ceeding.

I'claim: r V 1. In a device of the character described, the combination of the casing'of a'tank' for developing photographic films,'a' holder for holding the casing of a package of films,

said holder being provided with 'movable means for engaging .a part of the said package casing, means withinthesaid tank casing for engaging the saidmovable means to cause lateral movement thereof for the pur-' pose described. 7 V

2. In a' device of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, aholder for holding a package of films which'are adapted to be inserted into the casing of said tank, one side of said holder having an extension pivotally connected therewith and means within the casing of the said tank for engaging said pivoted extension to cause piiu otal movement thereof as the said holder is inserted into the said tank, substantially as and for the purpose described.

3. In a device'of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photo'graphic films, said casing being provided with a cam situated interiorly thereof, a holder for receiving and holding a film pack casing, one side of the said holder being provided at one end with a pivoted extension, said extension being provided with means forrengaging the end of one side of the said film pack casing, and

means upon the said extension which is adapted to engage the said cam whereby lateral movement of the said extensionis effected to cause separation of-a portion of the said side of said film pack casing from other portions thereof, substantially as and for the purpose described. I 7

4. In a device of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, members situated in oppositely disposed relation to each other against opposing sides of the said casing, which members are provided with- .cam slots, a holder adapted to receive and and means upon the said extension for engaging the said cam slots whereby lateral movement of the said extension is caused as the said holder is moved downwardly into the casing of said tank, substantially as and for the purpose described.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, plates situated in opposing relation to each other in adjacent relation to opposing sides of said casing, said plates being provided with slots having top vertical portions, intermediate inwardly inclined portions, intermediate vertical portions and bottom outwardly inclined portions, a rectangular holder for receiving and holding a rectangular film pack casing, one side of said holder being provided at one end with a hinged plate extension, said extension being provided with hook portions upon its outer edge, said hook portions being adapted to engage the adjacent end edge portion of one side of the said film pack casing, and means upon the said extension which are adapted to engage the said slots as the said film pack holder is inserted into the said tank casing, substantially as and for the purpose described.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a film pack holder adapted to be inserted within the said casing, said holder being provided with movable means having devices adapted to engage one end of one side of the casing of the said film pack, means within the said tank casing for engaging a part of the said movable means to cause lateral movement thereof as the said holder is inserted within the said tank, such lateral movement being adapted to cause a brealn'ng open of a portion of one side of the said film pack casing to permit the withdrawal of films therefrom and a holding device for holding the said films in spaced relation with respect to each other within the tank casing after they]; have been withdrawn from the film ac p 7. In a device of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a holder for a casing containing films, which holder is adapted to be inserted within said tank casing, one side of said holder being provided at one end with a hinged extension, said extension being provided with means for engaging one end of one side of the sald filmcontaining casing, means within the said tank casing for engaging the said extension to cause lateral movement thereof to tear apart the portion of the said film-containing casin with which the said hinged extension is 1n engagement and the said extension being provided at its outer edge with a rod under which the films pass as they are drawn from the film pack casing and a holding device for receiving the said films as they are withdrawn from the said film pack casing after the same have been inserted within the tank casing, said holding device comprising two sets of clamping bars between which the said fihns are adapted to be held in spaced relation to each other, the said clamping bars being supported in ad justable relation with respect to each other.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a holder for receiving and holding a film pack casing, one side of said holder being provided at one end with a hinged extension, said extension having at its outer edge means for engaging one end portion of one side of the film pack casing and the said extension being also provided at its outer edge with a rod tapering from its center toward its opposite ends under which the films travel as they are drawn from the film pack casing, cams situated within the casing of said tank and means upon the said extension for engaging the said cams as the said holder is inserted within the said tank casing, substantially as and for the purpose described.

9. In a device of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a holder for receiving and holding a film pack casing containing films which holder is adapted to be inserted into the said tank casing, one side of said holder being provided at one end with a hinged extension, said extension v having hooks at its outer edge for engaging the opposite edges of one end of a side of the said film pack casing, a rod secured to the outer end of the said extension and being substantially in parallel relation to the edge of said extension, said rod being thickest at its center and tapering toward its opposite ends, means situated within the said tank casing and provided with cams, means upon the said extension for engaging the said cams, said cams being of a shape to cause lateral inward and outward movement of the said extension as the said holder is inserted into the said tank casing and a device also adapted to be inserted within the said casing in operative relation to the said holder, said device being adapted to re ceive the films as they are withdrawn from V of the said film pack casing, a rod secured to the outer end of the said extension and being substantially in parallel relation to the edge of said extensiomvsaid rod being ing the said cams, said cams being of a shape to cause lateral inward'and outward movement of'the saidextension as the said holder is inserted into the said tank casing and a device also adapted to be inserted into the said tank casing which device is adapted to receive and hold" the films as they are withdrawn from the said film pack casing, the, said device comprising two sets of curved adjustable clamping bars, the said sets of clamping bars being supported in adjustable relation with respect to each other and the said films being adapted to be inserted between adjacent clampingbars of each set and each film being in extended position between the said sets of clamping bars within the said tank, substantially as described.

11. In a device of the character described, the combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a device adapted to be inserted within the said casing for holding the films in spaced relation to each other, said device comprising two 7 sets of holding means and means for adjustably supporting the said two' sets of holding means in opposing relation with respect to each other. i

12. In combination, the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a device adapted to be inserted within said casing for holding the films in spaced relation to each other, said device comprising two sets of holding means, one of the said sets being fixedly secured to parallel bars and the otherof said sets being adjustably se cured on said bars, substantially as and for the purpose described. 7 13. In combination, the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a device for holding the said films in spaced relation with respect to each other, said device bea ing adapted to be inserted into, the said casing and the said device comprising a '14:. In combinatiomthe of a tank for developing photographic films, a device adapted to' be inserted in thesaid casing,

which device is adapted to receive and hold photographic films in spaced relation to each other, said device comprising a bail like memberfa frame fixedly secured to the lower free ends of said bail-like member, curved clamping bars movably supported upon the said frame, yielding means for holding the said curved bars in holding relation with respect to each other, a plate movably supported upon the sides of said bail-like member, said plate having a relatively large central opening extending therethrough, curved clamping bars situated in said opening, means upon said plate for niovably supporting said clamping bars at their opposite ends, and cam actuating means for moving and holding the said curved bars in clamping relation to eachother to hold films in spaced relation with respect to each other, the upper ends of said films'being clamped between said last mentioned bars and the lower ends of said films being clamped between the first mentioned bars, substantially as described.

15. The combination of the casing of a tank for. developing photographic films, a holding device for the said films, which device is adapted to be inserted into the said casing, the said devicecomprising two sets of adjustable clamping bars, one of which sets when in operation and in position within the tank occupies a position adj aceni: the bottom of said tank and the other one of which occupies a position at the top of said tank and constitutes a light proof cover or lid for the said tank.

16. The combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a 7

light proof lid for said. tank, which lid comprises adjustable holding bars for holding the upper ends of the films while the same are being developed and a set of bold ing bars having adjustable connection with the'said light proof lid, said second=named set of holding bars engaging the lower ends of the films, the said two sets of holding bars operating to hold the films in spaced relation to each other. 7

17. The combination of the casing ofa tank for developing photographic films, a light proof lid for said tank comprising a set of adjustable holding bars for holding the upper ends of the films, a lower set of iio holding bars, a'member having fixed connection with the said lower set of holding bars and slidable connection with the first named set of holding bars, substantially as described. 7 Y

18. The combination of the casing of a tank for developing photographic films, a light proof lid for saidtank into which lid is 'adjustably built duplicate registering, sets of holding and spacing bars, the upper set of said spacing bars being a permanent essential ofthe light proof lid of the said tank, the lower or internal set of spacing and holding bars being attached to a bail or handle which slides through openings in the said light proof lid, said bail or handle being adapted to be moved downwardly to move the lower or internal set of holding and spacing bars downwardly after the said light proof lid has been placed in position to close the said tank said bail or handle extending outwardly from the said tank into position to be manually operated for moving the internal set of holding and spacing bars downward between the films to the lower edges of the latter, the

said films being by the said two sets of hold- 15 my name this 20th day of August, A. D. 20

WILLIAM C. MOTTERAM.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G." 

